[gwnn]

I don't think it's being a mastermind if you think that a certain action will work out bad if you do it so you don't do it. Of course being a mastermind is a subset of the above; it is when you do so based on the conception (fact?) that your partner is an idiot.

I think it's definitely right to conceal a 4 card major in 4333 hands every now and again even if your system requires you to show it normally/"always". It is arguable that J9x is not enough in spades, hence 1♥ is superior, however I don't believe so.

[Siegmund]

This may of course not matter to many people in an individual... but does it occur to you that the way people in individuals get reputations as idiots is by making bizarre bids and plays?

In the context of an established partnership with an understanding partner, I think it's just fine if you choose between 1NT and 1H freely on this hand. In the context of a random stranger, I think you have to bid 1H, else your semi-competent but unimaginative partner will assume you are an idiot and treat you accordingly for the rest of the round. That could easily cost you a whole lot more than you can possibly gain by bidding 1NT here even if 1NT works well.

[bucky]

Siegmund, on Sep 24 2010, 06:38 PM, said:

This may of course not matter to many people in an individual... but does it occur to you that the way people in individuals get reputations as idiots is by making bizarre bids and plays?

In the context of an established partnership with an understanding partner, I think it's just fine if you choose between 1NT and 1H freely on this hand. In the context of a random stranger, I think you have to bid 1H, else your semi-competent but unimaginative partner will assume you are an idiot and treat you accordingly for the rest of the round. That could easily cost you a whole lot more than you can possibly gain by bidding 1NT here even if 1NT works well.

What if this is the last board in current round?

[aguahombre]

gwnn, on Sep 24 2010, 04:21 AM, said:

I don't think it's being a mastermind if you think that a certain action will work out bad if you do it so you don't do it. Of course being a mastermind is a subset of the above; it is when you do so based on the conception (fact?) that your partner is an idiot.

Yes, of course. I am not used to indy's, and my pard is not used to me operating her (nor is she an idiot). If I bid 1NT instead of 1H, a reg pard will think I am masterminding to be declarer; and that is not good for morale whether it is sucessful on this hand or not.

Opposite a pard who really is bad, and/or wouldn't notice ---1NT would be fine.

[gwnn]

That's interesting. My regular partners would usually understand the reasons for 1N - weak major and 4333 and it makes it hard for opps to find spades; they would not automatically agree with it preference but they would not think I am trying to be declarer. Maybe it is because I'm such a bad declarer that none of my regular partners can believe that I consider
myself superior to them

[the hog]

gwnn, on Sep 24 2010, 05:21 PM, said:

I don't think it's being a mastermind if you think that a certain action will work out bad if you do it so you don't do it. Of course being a mastermind is a subset of the above; it is when you do so based on the conception (fact?) that your partner is an idiot.

I think it's definitely right to conceal a 4 card major in 4333 hands every now and again even if your system requires you to show it normally/"always". It is arguable that J9x is not enough in spades, hence 1♥ is superior, however I don't believe so.

So if your partner has a 4423 shape, don't you think your 3433 will play better in Hs than 1NT opposite this?
By the way, I think 1D is a joke.

[gwnn]

No, I don't think so. Willing to change my mind on the matter but of course if someone makes a simulation and prove me "wrong" I will say that double dummy is bad yada yada yada.

[bid_em_up]

"again easy/..once i know....what the heck my suits are."

and it's easier for partner to know what they are if you actually bid them.

Partner can easily have some 3-4-2-4, 3-4-1-5, or similar and yet, will be able to do nothing but pass or rebid 2C over a 1N response, and there goes the heart fit.

jmoo.

[gwnn]

yes, thanks for pointing that out, I would never have thought of that.